RIP Ian Porterfield

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Manager Ian Porterfield, 61, dies

Porterfield, born in Dunfermline, was Aberdeen manager
Tributes are being paid to former Aberdeen manager Ian Porterfield who has died at the age of 61.
Porterfield, born in Dunfermline, succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986 at Pittodrie, for two years in charge.

Among his greatest achievements at the club was taking the Dons to a League Cup Final in 1987.

The club has expressed shock and sadness and Sir Alex said his death from cancer was a "tragedy" for his family and also for football.

Porterfield, who scored Sunderland's winning goal against Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final, also enjoyed a successful management career with Rotherham, Sheffield United, Reading and Chelsea.

He went on to coach in Korea and took charge of several national teams and his final job was as boss of Armenia.

Porterfield's widow Glenda said: "He may have been a football man all his life, but I know him best as a wonderful human being who was liked by everyone he came in contact with."
(BBC News)

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Re: RIP Ian Porterfield

It's amazing that he came to watch Armenia play against Portugal, considering that he couldn't have been feeling very well. Was a Great man. And Armenians worldwide appreciate what he did for Armenia's soccer.
RIP Ian and God Bless.

Found this little passage from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6984906.stm

Porterfield's widow Glenda said: "He may have been a football man all his life, but I know him best as a wonderful human being who was liked by everyone he came in contact with.

"He had his wish to die in harness. Just over two weeks ago, we flew to Armenia for the Portugal game and I'll always remember what happened at the open training session at the stadium on the day before the game.

"The stadium was packed to see all the Portuguese stars like Ronaldo, Deco and the rest, but when Ian walked out, they all stood up and shouted his name. It was very moving."